RECOVERY OF THE KAKERORI - AN ENDANGERED FOREST BIRD OF THE COOK-ISLANDS

The Kakerori, or Rarotonga Flycatcher (Pomareca dimidiata), is an enda ngered monarch flycatcher endemic to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Isl ands. This bird was reported to be common until the middle of the nine teenth century, but it declined before 1885 and was thought to be exti nct early this century. A small population persisted in the rugged int erior of Rarotonga; in 1987 the population stood at 38 birds but was i n decline. We determined that introduced predators, especially ship ra ts (Rattus rattus), were affecting breeding success. Through a program of experimental management, aimed mainly at rodent control, the popul ation increased from a low of 29 birds in Spring 1989 to 60 birds in S pring 1993. The recovery can be attributed to both improved breeding s uccess and increased adult survivorship.